1k fish die in Kalkere Lake, residents blame sewage

TNN | Updated: Sep 29, 2018, 9:55 IST

BENGALURU: Over the past few weeks, close to 1,000 fish died in Kalkere Lake near Horamavu. While residents of the locality pointed to sewage flow and poor maintenance of the waterbody by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency attributed the fish deaths to abrupt fall in oxygen levels in the lake. Residents said the lake, spread over 105 acres, receives polluted water from surrounding areas and over the last few months, it has witnessed frothing like in Bellandur and Varthur lakes. "While sewage inflow is polluting the lake, many outlets are blocked due to dumping of garbage," said Samantha K, a resident.

Lake conservationists are taking up regular drives to ensure the waterbody is garbage free and have been clearing plastic bottles, covers, medical waste, among other things, dumped into it. "The BBMP is never interested in hearing our problems," said a youngster associated with the drive. BBMP officials said Rs 18 crore has been allocated for development of Kalkere Lake and work will begin soon. "The lake is polluted mainly because of BWSSB, which has failed to stop entry of sewage. A functioning STP will solve the problem," said an official, attributing the fish deaths to the recent downpours. "Flow of rain water disrupts oxygen levels in lakes, making it difficult for fish to survive," said a senior official.